2025 Lexus RX Hybrid vs 2024 Toyota RAV4

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 was designed to project a rugged and aggressive appearance, with its frowning front and angular grey body cladding. Despite its tough exterior, the performance didn't quite match the visual promise, as the dual exhaust outlets suggested more power than the vehicle delivered. The upper trims featured faux skid plates, and the off-road-themed versions came with utility-style roof racks. Our test vehicle was the U.S. specification TRD Off-Road trim, which was discontinued in Canada after 2022. In Canada, the Limited trim topped the lineup, priced at $47,815 for the gas version and $50,015 for the hybrid. The Trail trim, priced at $43,615, was the closest off-road equivalent. The RAV4's interior was utilitarian, with easy-clean surfaces and rubber-lined storage areas, reflecting its focus on practicality. The cabin's upscale feel improved with higher budgets, offering contrast-colour interior choices on select trims.

In contrast, the 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid, particularly the RX 500h F Sport Black Line, was a $90,000 SUV that, despite its price, didn't stand out visually. The test vehicle featured an exclusive Incognito paint job and orange brake calipers, but aside from these details and the large front grille, it was unremarkable. The RX lineup included three hybrid models: the RX 350h, RX 500h, and RX 450h+. The RX 350h was the base model, offering 246 horsepower and impressive fuel efficiency. The RX 500h, with 366 hp, was the performance-oriented option, while the RX 450h+ was a plug-in hybrid with an electric-only range of 60 kilometres. All models came with standard AWD in Canada, and the RX 500h featured sport-tuned suspension and performance brakes. The RX's interior was contemporary, with quality materials and ambient lighting, though the controls were a mix of intuitive and baffling.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 was equipped with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain required high revs to access maximum power, and while it was powerful for its class, it was also loud and unrefined. The RAV4 featured standard AWD in Canada, with an eight-speed automatic transmission and Multi-Terrain Select driving modes. Ground clearance varied between 20.6 and 21.6 centimetres, depending on the model. The RAV4's fuel economy was rated at 8.5 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with the LE model slightly lower at 7.9 L/100 km. The RAV4 Hybrid Woodland Edition offered better fuel efficiency at 6.4 L/100 km.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid offered three models with varying performance. The RX 350h, with 246 hp and 233 pound-feet of torque, was the most efficient but least powerful. The RX 450h+ PHEV delivered 304 hp and a 0-100 km/h time of 6.5 seconds, while the RX 500h, with a turbocharged 2.4-litre engine, produced 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-100 km/h in 6.2 seconds. The RX 500h featured a sport-tuned adaptive damping suspension, 21-inch wheels, and a sophisticated AWD system. Despite its power, the RX 500h's fuel economy was disappointing, averaging 13.5 L/100 km during testing. The RX 500h was quiet on highways but firm on city streets, with the adaptive suspension producing unnatural sensations. The RX 500h excelled in straight-line acceleration but lacked dynamic capability and communication between the driver and the road.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4's interior was designed for practicality, with storage shelves, trays, and oversized rubberized control knobs. The test vehicle featured SofTex artificial leather upholstery, with an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat. Heated front seats were standard in Canada, with ventilated front seats and heated rear seats available on the Limited trim. The RAV4 offered excellent outward visibility and a comfortable driver's seat. It could accommodate four adults comfortably, with a rear seat that lacked leg support but offered good legroom. The RAV4's cargo area provided 1,059 litres of space, expanding to 1,977 litres with the seats folded.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid focused on occupant comfort and cargo space. The RX 500h's front seats were snug due to enhanced bolstering, and the automatic climate system's fan was loud. The panoramic sunroof extended over the rear seat, which offered power-reclining, heated, and ventilated options. The RX provided ample room for adults, with practical interior storage. The RX Hybrid's cargo space measured 838 litres, expanding to 1,308 litres with the rear seats folded. However, the cargo cover could obstruct loading full-size suitcases.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 featured the Toyota Audio Multimedia system with an 8-inch or 10.5-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Service Connect and Safety Connect were included for ten years, while Remote Connect was complimentary for three years. Drive Connect required a subscription, offering cloud-based navigation and a digital voice assistant. The infotainment system lacked a multi-panel Home screen and had a delicate font. The test vehicle's digital voice assistant had issues with volume and data parsing. A JBL premium audio system was available, but the test vehicle had standard speakers. The digital rear-view mirror provided a clear view when the RAV4 was packed.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid was equipped with digital key functionality, a camera-based digital rearview mirror, and a hands-free power liftgate. The RX 500h featured a 14-inch touchscreen with a modern Lexus Interface infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and cloud-based navigation. The RX 500h's steering wheel controls were distracting, but the infotainment system had a volume knob and large climate control dials. The test vehicle experienced a glitch with satellite radio display, and the head-up display was smaller than some rivals. The optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system sounded great.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, including adaptive cruise control, lane-centring assist, and blind-spot monitoring. The system performed adequately, though lane-centring assist was better on straighter highways. The RAV4 lost its Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS due to a Marginal rating in the small overlap frontal-impact test and an Acceptable rating in the side-impact test.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid featured Safety Connect, offering automatic collision notification and SOS emergency assistance. Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Proactive Driving Assist monitored forward progress, and the surround-view camera was a valuable upgrade. The RX earned a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA but received a Poor rating from the IIHS in the moderate overlap frontal-impact test.